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Radio Hosts Call For Anti-racism ‘Blackout’
October 31st, 2007They say that Black folks can show their power by refusing to buy anything on Friday
Could African Americans put a dent in racism by agreeing not to spend a single nickel on the same day of the week? A group of Black radio talk-show hosts believe that Black folks – with an estimated purchasing power near $1 trillion – could force the U.S. government
to take a more aggressive stand against the seeming deluge of racial injustices, from the flurry of nooses and hurry to jail Black youths, to racial profiling and predatory mortgage lenders. Raleigh, N.C., Attorney and radio show host Warren Ballentine says that if African Americans keep their money in their pockets on Friday, they will send a clear message that the Black community is nothing to mess with. He says he got the idea after joining numerous protest marches this year. “After Jena, [the Louisiana march that drew tens of thousands of people] I decided there’s so many things going on in this country as far as [injustices within] the justice system,” Ballentine, who calls himself “The People’s Attorney,” told The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Among other radio personalities who have joined his crusade are Michael Baisden and the Rev. Al Sharpton. “I’m a lawyer and I’m seeing a lot of people across the board suffer from the mortgage crisis,” he said. “I’m asking all Americans to participate, not just blacks. I’m asking people — if you can — don’t spend any money.” With more than 36 million Blacks in the United States, Ballentine says an anti-racism economic boycott can be powerful. “It’s showing togetherness and unity, and it’s one thing we haven’t shown the federal government in a long time,” Ballentine said. “I know this is working because I’m getting death threats and advertisers are starting to worry that they’re going to lose money on this day.” Do you think this is a good idea? Will you participate in the economic boycott on Nov. 2?
I say we stop spending our money frivolously on anything that isn’t supporting our community…FOREVER…all those “designer” clothes that take our money so we can “look good” in the streets. Don’t get me started on “rims” and other purchases that really just keep you broke…I’m positive that if we stopped blowing money trying to live like a “star” and take that money to buy a house/condo/townhouse. Hell, buy some stock…it’s easier than you think…I joined this site and will be making my stock purchases…even if it’s only ONE share…it will be MY share…
I love it that finally someone came up with an idea to do something to really hurt corporate America.Warren Ballentine came up with a grand idea!NOW IF WE CAN GET THOSE HOUSE FOLKS TO… SNAP OUT OF IT AND NOT TRY TO UNDERMINE THIS ,WE WILL FINALLY HAVE A VICTORY!HAPPY BLACKOUT DAY!
I think this is one of the best ideas in quite a while. As young people we’ve anticipated the day when we could take place in a civil rights stand of unity and we got the oppurtunity in Jena, La. This economic boycott is one of the few ways that we can show America and the government that we are serious about our issues and that we are demanding their attention and support. We all know that the only thing the American people understand is when you mess with their money, so, we are going to make governmental paperchasers earn our dollar rather than continuing to give to them underservingly.
I support it totally…For all those who are talking negative about this. The question is what are you doing. It’s not about wheter you agree or not with this movement the question is what are you doing to support justice and equality for all. See there is going to come a time when you will be Jena, or Janarlow Wilson, or the young lady that was raped and tourtured. If you don’t understand that racism is alive and well in this country then you need to check yourself and start reading the news.
I’m Down!!!
The MONEY I saved today,
Will get me to the Peoples Macrh on Nov,16th.
Happy Black Day
I’m for the boycott. I also think that as African-Americans need to stop waiting around for something to happen before we decide to voice our opinion or do something about it. Each day we should make a change in the little things that we do and say, because rather we know it or not we just making it harder for each other. It start at home with the parents teaching their children what is right and what is wrong. I’m only 21 years old and I have seen somethings that truely destrub my heart about us (African-Americans) such as: children at the age of 13 and 14 years old having babys, not wanting to attend college to make a better live for themselves but rather stand in the streets all day doing nothing, the generation under me no caring about their getting their education just going to school because mom and day say “I have to go to school,” they are so worried about what kind of clothing the have on their back and the latest shoes. Who cares about all that,please just worry about getting something out of life those things will come later.If the parents can afford it that fine but if the parents cannot afford it they why go broke on clothes that will go out of style in two weeks. Like I stated earlier it goes back to starting it in the homes our young African-American children. African-Americans PLEASE teach our children about the power of the “N” word, then they would understand that why it is not okay to call your best friend or anyone else of color that word.
YES I AM DOWN FOR THE COUNT LETS DO THE D**N THING
Me and my family started on Oct 27th and I wont spend til after the 3rd.
I’m on board!!
WOW American Gangster comes out today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its also a Friday night Clubbin getting your juke on. 1 trillion dollars hasn’t been spent in a year. One day is a joke. Lets have a whiteout day. Where white people stop buying rap CDS. Oh that would suck!!!!1
THIS ONE IS FOR QUEEN. BET IS OWNED BY VIACOM. A WHITE MAN OWNS BET.
Vincent,
There is a lot of truth in your comment but what you fail to understand is we need to start somewhere with something and in time as we grow as a people things like white people buying our CD’S and going to the club won’t matter so much to us anymore.
Vincent,
Tell me something the white man dosen’t own
I say HELL YEAH!
I am proud crickit crack cr**ker. The problem is here is not racism. It has to do with African americans having a bad self image of themselves. They are getting bullied into beliving all this hype about racism. The racism is not a dumb redneck burning a cross he is a f**king retard. the racist is the guy who is buying up african american middle and lower class houses to sell to a bunch of white and black yuppies. Or the Ceo not overlooking man because he has darker skin.
Had to re-read Queen’s statement a few times before responding. Perhaps you want the white man to believe in YOU, but it bothers me in the least if he ever believes in me or gives a darn about my well being. What you typed made absolutely no sense. You are this white folks kick.Perhaps there is something that you would like to share….. but umm its not important one way or another. That was senseless and asinine. You should believe in yourself. At the end of the day that is all that should matter. SMH@ wanting white people to believe in you. I know its beyond time for me to log off. Don’t know how is worst this broad or h-town.
White man doesn’t own the Charlotte Bobcats, The white man doesn’t own toyota. The white man doesn’t own your soul. you own. It’s up to you to become a member of society. stop pointing the finger, point at your self
*You are on this white folks kick*
*don’t know who is worst*
white folks next time you want to come on in drag ..please be careful of your flaws. You come unglued every time. promoting white folks yet claiming to be black. geesh is it that serious?
Imagine no white person alive. who are you going to blame??????????
Vincent I agree with you.